Bring some fun wine facts to family gatherings!
With Christmas only two days away, we pulled together nine fun facts about wine that are sure to impress your family and help you expand your wine knowledge.
Holiday Wine Fact #1
According to an annual holiday consumption survey, it is estimated that 366 million glasses of wine will be consumed this holiday season in the United States.
Holiday Wine Fact #2
If sparkling wine is from anywhere other than the Champagne province of France, it is not champagne. It might be Prosecco, it might be a Charmat Method sparkling wine, and it’s probably really tasty, but it can’t be labeled champagne.
Holiday Wine Fact #3
Many people love drinking hot wine mulled with spices during the holidays. In fact, the German word for mulled wine, glühwein, means “glowing wine”. Probably because it shimmers with heat and makes your face warm when you drink it.
Holiday Wine Fact #4
Most wine isn’t vegan (or even vegetarian). Many substances used to fine wine (the term for clarifying wine) are not vegan or vegetarian. These include egg whites, milk protein, and gelatin (an animal protein).
Holiday Wine Fact #5
Spiked eggnog started out in 1700s England as a hot drink called posset or sack posset. People would whip whole eggs with warm wine, sherry, cider, or ale and added spices for even more warmth. Early Americans switched to milk for the mixture and wine was replaced by rum and brandy to create the eggnog we know today.
Holiday Wine Fact #6
The holiday tradition of Baby New Year actually began in Greece as far back as 600 B.C. In order to celebrate the annual rebirth of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and fertility, a baby was paraded around town in a basket.
Holiday Wine Fact #7
Due to its fortification, Port wine provides a warming alcoholic feeling, making it an excellent suggestion to keep you warm during the colder seasons and, definitely, a great wine for the holidays.
Holiday Wine Fact #8
The bowl of your Burgundy glass could very well hold an entire bottle of wine since most Burgundy glasses hold between 25 and 31 ounces and a standard wine bottle contains 25.4 fluid ounces. You know, just in case.
Holiday Wine Fact #9
According to the Wine Institute, the average American consumes approximately 3.09 gallons of wine each year and the United States consumed an approximate total of 870 million gallons in 2020.
Cheers!
